US9820522B2

Shock wave mitigating helmets

Summary by NHIP

Shock Wave Mitigating Helmet

The helmet features a shell with a three-layer section and a second section containing spiraling energy dissipaters. These rods taper from a fixed end to a free end, vibrating upon impact to transform longitudinal shock waves into shear waves.

Claim Score by NHIP

Read claim 9, the broadest

Abstract

A helmet, has a shell that includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has first, second and third layers. The second layer is positioned between the first layer and the third layer. The second layer is less dense than the first layer and the third layer. The second portion has a plurality of enemy dissipaters. Each of the energy dissipaters has a rod that extends in a spiraling manner from a fixed end to a free end. The rod tapers continuously along its length from the fixed end to the free end so that the fixed end exhibits a larger internal cross sectional area than the free end. The free end is capable of vibrating when the helmet is impacted by an object in order to dissipate impact energy.

US9820522B2, drawing sheet 1 — Sheet 1 of 5

Term

Projected expiry 23 April 2035.

19 claims: 3 independent, 16 dependent

1
A helmet, comprising:a shell that comprises: a first portion comprising a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer, wherein the second layer is positioned between the first layer and the third layer, wherein the second layer is less dense than the first layer and the third layer;and a second portion comprising a plurality of energy dissipaters mounted within the second portion of the shell, each of the plurality of energy dissipaters having a rod that extends in a spiraling manner from an end which is fixed to the first portion and extends away from the first portion to a free end and configured to extend toward a user when the helmet is worn, the rod tapering continuously along a length of the rod from the end which is fixed to the first portion to the free end so that the end which is fixed to the first portion exhibits a larger internal cross sectional area than the free end, the free end capable of vibrating when the helmet is impacted by an object in order to dissipate impact energy, wherein longitudinal mechanical shock wave energy from such impact is transformed into shear wave energy.
9
Broadest claimClaim Score 58, broad(NHIP)A helmet, comprising:a shell that comprises a first layer and a second layer;and a plurality of energy dissipaters positioned between the first layer and the second layer, each of the plurality of energy dissipaters having a rod that extends in a spiraling manner from an end which is fixed to the first layer and extends away from the first layer to a free end and configured to extend toward a user when the helmet is worn, the rod tapering continuously along a length of the rod from the end which is fixed to the first layer to the free end so that the end which is fixed to the first layer exhibits a larger internal cross sectional area than the free end, the free end capable of vibrating when the helmet is impacted by an object in order to dissipate impact energy, wherein longitudinal mechanical shock wave energy from such impact is transformed into shear wave energy.
15
A helmet, comprising:a shell that comprises: a first layer having a first density;a second layer having a second density;and a third layer having a third density, wherein the second layer is positioned between the first layer and the third layer, and wherein the second density of the second layer is less than both the first density of the first layer and the third density of the third layer;a plurality of energy dissipaters mounted within the shell, each of the plurality of energy dissipaters having a rod that extends in a spiraling manner from an end which is fixed to the third layer and extends away from the third layer to a free end and configured to extend toward a user when the helmet is worn, the rod tapering continuously along a length of the rod from the end which is fixed to the third layer to the free end so that the end which is fixed to the third layer exhibits a larger internal cross sectional area than the free end, the free end capable of vibrating when the helmet is impacted by an object in order to dissipate impact energy, wherein longitudinal mechanical shock wave energy from such impact is transformed into shear wave energy.

Independent claims3

37 paragraphs in 5 sections, as filed

0001The present application is a non-provisional application of, and claims priority to, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/983,133, filed on Apr. 23, 2014 and titled “Shock-Wave Mitigating Bio-Inspired Football Helmet Design,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

0002Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI), commonly referred to as “a concussion,” is an injury that frequently occurs in contact sports, such as football. Sport-related brain injuries have been estimated to occur 1.6 to 3.8 million times every year. Additionally, it is estimated that some football players receive up to 1,500 head impacts per season. Although every impact may not result in MTBI, numerous impacts to the head can result in long-term brain damage through an impact induced neurodegenerative disease known as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0003The present disclosure provides various embodiments of shock wave mitigating helmets.

0004One embodiment, among others, is a helmet that comprises a shell having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion comprises a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer, wherein the second layer is positioned between the first layer and the third layer and wherein the second layer is less dense than the first layer and the third layer. The second portion of the shell comprises a plurality of energy dissipaters mounted within the second portion of the shell. Each of the energy dissipaters has a rod that extends in a spiraling manner from a fixed end to a free end. The rod tapers continuously along its length from the fixed end to the free end so that the fixed end exhibits a larger internal cross sectional area than the free end. The free end is capable of vibrating when the helmet is impacted by an object in order to dissipate impact energy.

0005Another embodiment, among others, is a helmet that comprises a shell having a first layer, a second layer, and a plurality of energy dissipaters positioned between the first layer and the second layer. Each of the energy dissipaters has a rod that extends in a spiraling manner from a fixed end to a free end. The rod tapers continuously along its length from the fixed end to the free end so that the fixed end exhibits a larger internal cross sectional area than the free end. The free end is capable of vibrating when the helmet is impacted by an object in order to dissipate impact energy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a drawing of an example of a helmet according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref> is a drawing of a first example of a shell for the helmet of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2B</figref> is a drawing of a second example of a shell for the helmet of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a drawing of a third example of a shell for the helmet of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a drawing of a first example of an energy dissipater for the helmet of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a drawing of a second example of an energy dissipater for the helmet of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a drawing of a third example of an energy dissipater for the helmet of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0014The present disclosure relates to helmets that protect a wearer's head and reduce the likelihood of the wearer experiencing Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI), Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), or other types of injuries. The helmet in some embodiments comprises a shell that has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the shell may include a core layer that is surrounded by layers that are denser than the core layer. For example, the core layer may be constructed of a foam, and the surrounding layers may be constructed of a para-aramid synthetic fiber, such as a KEVLAR fiber, fixed in a matrix. Because the core layer is less dense than the surrounding layers, the first portion of the shell may mitigate shock waves that are imparted to the helmet.

0015Furthermore, in some embodiments, a suture may be formed in one of the layers that surrounds the core layer. An elastomeric adhesive may be disposed in the suture to hold portions of the layer together. The suture and elastomeric adhesive may also mitigate shock waves that are imparted to the helmet.

0016In addition, the second portion of the shell may include multiple energy dissipaters, such as elastomeric tapered spirals. The energy dissipaters may be configured to dissipate energy imparted to the helmet. In particular, the energy dissipaters may dissipate energy through shear action in the energy dissipaters.

0017Thus, various embodiments of the helmets described herein may mitigate shock waves, trap momentum, and dissipate energy so that the risk of wears experiencing injuries, such as MTBI and CTE, are reduced. In the following discussion, a general description of the system and its components is provided, followed by a discussion of the operation of the same.

0018With reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, shown is a cross-section of an example of a helmet 100 according to various embodiments. The helmet 100 shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is embodied in the form of a football helmet. However, in alternative embodiments, the helmet 100 may be embodied in the form of other types of athletic helmets, such as hockey helmets, lacrosse helmets, etc. Additionally, the helmet 100 in other examples may be embodied in the form of a racing helmet, such as an automotive racing helmet, a motorbike racing helmet, etc. In addition, the helmet 100 in alternative examples may be embodied in the form of a tactical helmet, which may be used, for example, by law enforcement or military personnel.

0019The helmet 100 may comprise a shell 103, a facemask 106, a liner (not shown), and/or other components. The shell 103 may be the outermost portion of the helmet 100 that surrounds at least a portion of the wear's head. Accordingly, the exterior surface of the shell 103 may contact objects, such as other helmets 100, when in use. The facemask 106 may protect the face of the wearer of the helmet 100.

0020With reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref>, shown is a cross-section of a portion of an example of the shell 103 according to various embodiments. The shell 103 illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref> is a multilayer shell 103 that comprises a first portion 203 and a second portion 206. For the embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref>, the first portion 203 of the shell 103 is on the exterior side of the shell 103, and the second portion 206 of the shell 103 is on the interior side of the shell 103. However, in alternative embodiments, the first portion 203 of the shell 103 may be on the interior side of the shell 103, and the second portion 206 of the shell 103 may be on the exterior side of the shell 103. Additionally, for the embodiment illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref>, the first portion 203 of the shell 103 is in direct contact with the second portion 206 of the shell 103. In alternative embodiments, the first portion 203 of the shell 103 may be separated from the second portion 206 of the shell 103.

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2A and 2B</figref> show different configurations for the shell. The embodiment illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref> shows that the first portion 203 of the shell 103 may include a core layer 209 that is positioned between a first surrounding layer 213 and a second surrounding layer 216. The first surrounding layer 213 and the second surrounding layer 216 may comprise a para-aramid synthetic fiber, such as a KEVLAR, carbon, E-glass, or S-Glass fiber, that is fixed in a polymeric matrix. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2B</figref>, a layer 214 is added that may be a very hard, slippery layer comprising a thermoset or thermoplastic on the outside of layer 213. Such a matrix for any configuration in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2A-2B</figref> may comprise polypropylene, polyurethane, polycarbonate, and/or any other suitable material. The first surrounding layer 213 and the second surrounding layer 216 may be denser and less porous than the core layer 209. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2B</figref> also includes layer 215, which comprises a wavy suture material made of a nonlinear highly deforming elastic material, viscoelastic, and/or viscoplastic material. Layer 216 comprises a polymeric thermoplastic or thermoset that is highly ductile that can be, but is not limited to, a polycarbonate, sorbothane, etc.

0022For the configuration illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref>, the core layer 209 may comprise a foam. For example, the core layer 209 in one embodiment comprises a polymeric foam that can be, but is not limited to, a SUNMATE foam. The core layer 209 may be less dense and more porous than both the first surrounding layer 213 and the second surrounding layer 216. Accordingly, the first portion 203 of the shell 103 may be functionally graded. For the configuration illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2B</figref>, layer 217 can be a closed or open cell polymeric foam that can be used for energy absorption. This foam material can be, but is not limited to, a SUNMATE foam.

0023The second portion 206 of the shell 103 may include a side layer 219, a plurality of energy dissipaters 223, and a plurality of support columns 226a-226c. In some embodiments, the side layer 219 may comprise a para-aramid synthetic fiber, such as a KEVLAR, carbon, E-glass, or S-glass fiber, fixed in a matrix, such as a polypropylene, polyurethane, polycarbonate, and/or any other suitable matrix.

0024The support columns 226a-226c may attach the side layer 219 to the first portion 203 of the shell 103. For the embodiments illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2A-2B</figref>, the support columns 226a-226c attach to both the side layer 219 and the second surrounding layer 216. In addition, the support columns 226a-226c may position the side layer 219 so that the side layer 219 does not contact the energy dissipaters 223. In some embodiments, the support columns 226a-226c comprise a polycarbonate.

0025The energy dissipaters 223 are configured to dissipate energy that is imparted to the helmet 100. In some embodiments, energy dissipaters 223 may dissipate energy by a shearing action in the energy dissipater 223. Examples of energy dissipaters 223 are described in further detail below. In some embodiments, the energy dissipaters 223 may be arranged in rows throughout at least a portion of the shell 103, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2A-2B</figref>.

0026With reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, shown is a cross-section of a portion of another example of the shell 103, according to various embodiments. The shell 103 has some features that are similar to the shell 103 illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. However, the first surrounding layer 213 of the first portion 203 of the shell 103 is segmented into a first surrounding layer portion 213a and a second surrounding layer portion 213b.

0027In particular, a suture 303 may exist between the first surrounding layer portion 213a and the second surrounding layer portion 213b. The suture 303 may be regarded as being a relatively rigid joint between the first surrounding layer portion 213a and the second surrounding layer portion 213b. In some embodiments, the suture 303 may extend around the entire shell 103. In other embodiments, the suture 303 may extend around only a portion of the shell 103. The suture 303 may comprise an elastomeric adhesive. In addition to attaching the first surrounding layer portion 213a to the second surrounding layer portion 213b, the elastomeric adhesive may facilitate shear deformation in the first surrounding layer 213 when the helmet 100 is subjected to an impact.

0028The suture 303 may have a sinusoidal shape that is curved to conform to the shape of the shell 103. In these embodiments, the ratio of the amplitude to the wavelength may be within the range from about 0.25 to about 2.0.

0029With reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, shown is an example of an energy dissipater 223 according to various embodiments. The energy dissipater 223 may comprise an elastomeric material, such as rubber. In some embodiments, the energy dissipater 223 may comprise a shock mitigating element, such as a tapered spiral shaped element described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/469,172, filed on May 11, 2012, Publication No. US 2014/0026279, and titled “Shock Mitigating Materials and Methods Utilizing Spiral Shaped Elements,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

0030The energy dissipater 223 illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> comprises a tapered spiral structure. In particular, the energy dissipater 223 shown comprises a base 403 and a tip 406 that has a diameter less than the diameter of the base 403. In some embodiments, the ratio of the diameter of the tip 406 to the diameter of the base 403 may be within the range from about 0.1 to about 0.9. Additionally, the ratio of the diameter of the base 403 to the spiral length may be from about 0.01 to about 1.0.

0031The base 403 of the energy dissipater 223 may be attached directly to the second surrounding layer 216 of the first portion 203 of the shell 103. When the helmet 100 is subjected to an impact, energy may be transferred to the energy dissipater 223 and dissipated through shear action in the energy dissipater 223.

0032With reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, shown is another example of an energy dissipater 223, referred to herein as the energy dissipater 223a. The energy dissipater 223a is a tapered conic helix rod structure. In this regard, the energy dissipater 223a forms a conic helix, and the diameter of the energy dissipater 223a tapers as the length progresses from the base 403a (fixed end) to the tip 406a (free end). The rod tapers continuously along its length from the fixed end to the free end so that the fixed end exhibits a larger internal cross sectional area than the free end. The free end is capable of vibrating when the helmet 100 is impacted by an object in order to dissipate impact energy.

0033The base 403b of the energy dissipater 223b may be attached directly to the second surrounding layer 216 of the first portion 203 of the shell 103. When the helmet 100 is subjected to an impact, energy may be transferred to the energy dissipater 223b and dissipated through shear action in the energy dissipater 223b. In the various embodiments, the rod of the energy dissipaters extends from a fixed end to a free end and extends toward the user when the helmet is worn.

0034With reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, shown is another example of an energy dissipater 223, referred to herein as the energy dissipater 223b. The energy dissipater 223b is a tetrahedral structure. As such, the energy dissipater 223b tapers from the base 403b to the tip 406b.

0035The base 403b of the energy dissipater 223b may be attached directly to the second surrounding layer 216 of the first portion 203 of the shell 103. When the helmet 100 is subjected to an impact, energy may be transferred to the energy dissipater 223b and dissipated through shear action in the energy dissipater 223b.

0036Numerical values may be expressed herein in a range format. Such a range format is used for convenience and brevity, and thus, should be interpreted in a flexible manner to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. To illustrate, a concentration range of “about 0.1% to about 5%” should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited concentration of about 0.1 wt % to about 5 wt %, but also include individual concentrations (e.g., 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) and the sub-ranges (e.g., 0.5%, 1.1%, 2.2%, 3.3%, and 4.4%) within the indicated range. The term “about” may include traditional rounding according to significant figures of the numerical value.

0037The above-described embodiments of the present disclosure are merely examples of implementations to set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure. Disjunctive language used herein, such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, or Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.

Contents5

Every citation, both ways

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Mohammed, Javeed Shaikh, et al., “Bioinspired Design of Dynamic Materials”, Adv. Mater, 2009, 21, pp. 2361-2374.	Non-patent	–	Applicant
Maity, Parimal, et al., “Finite Element of Ramming in Ovis Canadensis”, Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, vol. 133, Feb. 2011, pp. 021009-1 to 021009-9.	Non-patent	–	Applicant
Mace, Brian R., et al., “Finite Element Prediction of Wave Motion in Structural Waveguides”, J. Acoust. Soc, Am., vol. 117, No. 5, May 2005, pp. 2836-2842.	Non-patent	–	Applicant
Hayashi, Takahiro, et al., “Guided Wave Dispersion Curves for a Bar with an Arbitrary Cross-Section, a Rod and Rail Example”, Ultrasonics, vol. 41, 2003, pp. 175-183.	Non-patent	–	Applicant
Bond, C., “Shock Focusing in a Planar Convergent Geometry: Experiment and Simulation”, J. Fluid Mech (2009), vol. 641, pp. 297-333.	Non-patent	–	Applicant
Gavric, L., “Computation of propagative Waves in Free Rail Using a Finite Element Technique”, Journal of Sound and Vibration, (1995), vol. 185(3), pp. 531-543.	Non-patent	–	Applicant
Demma, A., “The Effect of Bends on the Propagation of Guided Waves in Pipes”, Transactions of the ASME, vol. 127, Aug. 2005, pp. 328-335.	Non-patent	–	Applicant
Shergold, Oliver A., et al., “The Uniaxial Stress Versus Strain Response of Pig Skin and Silicone Rubber at Low and High Strain Rates”, International Journal of Impact Engineering, vol. 32, pp. 1384-1402, 2006.	Non-patent	–	Applicant
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6 members in 1 office; this record represents the family

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Priority claims
Document	Office	Kind	Date
201461983133	United States of America	P	2014-04-23
201461983133	United States of America	P	2014-04-23
201514694715	United States of America	A	2015-04-23
61983133	–	–	–
US201461983133P	–	–	–
US201514694715	–	–	–

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Family members, oldest first
Document	Office	Kind
US2014026279A1	United States of America	A1	2014-01-30
US2015305427A1	United States of America	A1	2015-10-29
US9726249B2	United States of America	B2	2017-08-08
US9820522B2This record	United States of America	B2	2017-11-21
US2018077989A1	United States of America	A1	2018-03-22
US2018077991A1	United States of America	A1	2018-03-22

67 transactions on the USPTO file

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Non-final rejections: 1
Final rejections: 1
RCEs: 1
Appeals: 0

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	Event	Code
2025-12-29	Expire PatentEXP.	EXP.
2025-07-14	Maintenance Fee Reminder MailedREM.	REM.
2021-04-09	Payment of Maintenance Fee, 4th Year, Micro EntityM3551	M3551
2017-11-21	Recordation of Patent Grant MailedPGM/	PGM/
2017-11-21	Patent Issue Date Used in PTA CalculationAllowedPTAC	PTAC
2017-11-01	Issue Notification MailedAllowedWPIR	WPIR
2017-10-23	Dispatch to FDCD1935	D1935
2017-10-23	Application Is Considered Ready for IssuePILS	PILS
2017-10-11	Issue Fee Payment VerifiedN084	N084
2017-10-11	Issue Fee Payment ReceivedIFEE	IFEE
2017-07-13	Mail Notice of AllowanceAllowedMN/=.	MN/=.
2017-07-12	Notice of Allowance Data Verification CompletedAllowedN/=.	N/=.
2017-07-10	Reasons for AllowanceEX.R	EX.R
2017-07-10	Examiner's Amendment CommunicationEX.A	EX.A
2017-07-10	Interview Summary - Examiner Initiated - TelephonicEXET	EXET
2017-06-15	Paralegal or electronic terminal disclaimer approvedP574	P574
2017-06-15	Filing Receipt - ReplacementFLRCPT.R	FLRCPT.R
2017-06-15	Change in Power of Attorney (May Include Associate POA)PA..	PA..
2017-06-14	Terminal Disclaimer FiledDIST	DIST
2017-06-01	Paralegal TD Not acceptedP575	P575
2017-05-30	Terminal Disclaimer FiledDIST	DIST
2017-02-23	Date Forwarded to ExaminerFWDX	FWDX
2017-02-23	Disposal for a RCE / CPA / R129AbandonedABN9	ABN9
2017-02-20	Miscellaneous Incoming LetterLET.	LET.
2017-02-20	Request for Continued Examination (RCE)RCEX	RCEX
2017-02-20	Request for Extension of Time - GrantedXT/G	XT/G
2017-02-20	Workflow - Request for RCE - BeginBRCE	BRCE
2016-10-20	Mail Final Rejection (PTOL - 326)Final rejectionMCTFR	MCTFR
2016-10-17	Final RejectionFinal rejectionCTFR	CTFR
2016-09-20	Information Disclosure Statement consideredIDSC	IDSC
2016-09-17	Date Forwarded to ExaminerFWDX	FWDX
2016-05-18	Substitute Specification FiledC604	C604
2016-05-18	Incoming Letter Pertaining to the DrawingsLTDR	LTDR
2016-05-18	Response after Non-Final ActionA...	A...
2016-05-18	Reference capture on IDSRCAP	RCAP
2016-05-18	Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) FiledM844	M844
2016-05-18	Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) FiledWIDS	WIDS
2016-02-18	Mail Non-Final RejectionNon-final rejectionMCTNF	MCTNF
2016-02-10	Non-Final RejectionNon-final rejectionCTNF	CTNF
2016-01-11	Date Forwarded to ExaminerFWDX	FWDX
2015-12-22	Response to Election / Restriction FiledELC.	ELC.
2015-10-29	Application ready for PDX access by participating foreign officesCCRDY	CCRDY
2015-10-29	PG-Pub Issue NotificationPG-ISSUE	PG-ISSUE
2015-10-22	Mail Restriction RequirementMCTRS	MCTRS
2015-10-20	Restriction/Election RequirementCTRS	CTRS
2015-10-07	Case Docketed to Examiner in GAUDOCK	DOCK
2015-09-11	Case Docketed to Examiner in GAUDOCK	DOCK
2015-08-06	Application Dispatched from OIPEOIPE	OIPE
2015-07-10	Sent to Classification ContractorPGPC	PGPC
2015-07-10	FITF set to YES - revise initial settingFTFS	FTFS
2015-07-10	Application Is Now CompleteCOMP	COMP
2015-07-10	Filing Receipt - UpdatedFLRCPT.U	FLRCPT.U
2015-07-10	Change in Power of Attorney (May Include Associate POA)PA..	PA..
2015-07-10	Applicant Has Filed a Verified Statement of Micro Entity Status in Compliance with 37 CFR 1.29MICR	MICR
2015-07-06	Applicant Has Filed a Verified Statement of Micro Entity Status in Compliance with 37 CFR 1.29MICR	MICR
2015-07-06	Patent Term Adjustment - Ready for ExaminationPTA.RFE	PTA.RFE
2015-07-06	Payment of additional filing fee/PreexamFLFEE	FLFEE
2015-07-06	Small Entity Statement (37 CFR 1.27)SES	SES
2015-05-06	Filing ReceiptFLRCPT.O	FLRCPT.O
2015-05-06	Notice Mailed--Application Incomplete--Filing Date AssignedINCD	INCD
2015-05-05	Applicant Has Filed a Verified Statement of Small Entity Status in Compliance with 37 CFR 1.27SMAL	SMAL
2015-04-27	Cleared by L&R (LARS)L128	L128
2015-04-25	Referred to Level 2 (LARS) by OIPE CSRL198	L198
2015-04-23	Applicant Has Filed a Verified Statement of Micro Entity Status in Compliance with 37 CFR 1.29MICR	MICR
2015-04-23	IFW Scan & PACR Auto Security ReviewSCAN	SCAN
2015-04-23	Entity Status Set To Undiscounted (Initial Default Setting or Status Change)BIG.	BIG.
2015-04-23	Initial Exam Team nnIEXX	IEXX

9 legal events, as the office reported them to INPADOC

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	Event	Code
2026-01-20	Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance feeLapsedFP	FP
2025-12-29	Lapse for failure to pay maintenance feesLapsedPATENT EXPIRED FOR FAILURE TO PAY MAINTENANCE FEES (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: EXP.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: MICROENTITYLAPS	LAPS
2025-12-29	Information on status: patent discontinuationPATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362STCH	STCH
2025-07-14	Fee payment procedureMAINTENANCE FEE REMINDER MAILED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: REM.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: MICROENTITYFEPP	FEPP
2021-04-09	Maintenance fee paymentMAFP	MAFP
2018-03-30	AssignmentAS	AS
2017-11-01	Information on status: patent grantGrantedPATENTED CASESTCF	STCF
2016-02-11	AssignmentAS	AS
2015-11-20	AssignmentAS	AS

Shock wave mitigating helmets

Summary by NHIP

Claim Score by NHIP

Abstract